Griffin Serves as Exclusive Investment Banker to JSat Automation, Inc.
JSat Automation, Inc. (“JSat” or “the Company”), based in Blue Bell, PA, is a global pharmaceutical and biotech-focused systems integrator specializing in process controls, manufacturing execution systems (“MES”), and lab automation services. JSat was founded in 2014 by Jeetu Satpute with a focus on delivering superior service to the pharmaceutical industry through a flexible, client-centric operating model. The Company experienced rapid growth and established itself as a niche market leader over the course of the next decade. In 2021, the Company began to develop JSatOne, an automation software solution designed for various industrial applications initially geared towards pharma 4.0. By 2025, the combined businesses had grown to become a global operation with multiple offices stretching across the U.S. and into parts of Europe and Asia.
Situation
Initial versions of the Company’s software product were receiving a positive reception in the market and management felt strongly about its potential for growth if provided with additional investment. With both the automation business and the software product experiencing success, but with differing business models and resource requirements moving forward, the Company reached a crossroads where separating the two businesses became the clear path. The Company’s founder decided to pursue a transaction which would accomplish the goals of (i) generating liquidity to accelerate investment in the software product, and (ii) finding an ideal partner for the automation business to continue its growth and provide exciting career paths for JSat employees.
Solution
JSat selected and engaged Griffin as its exclusive investment banker to solicit interest from potential partners and advise on the restructuring/divestiture of JSatOne. Griffin worked with JSat to identify and approach a targeted group of both strategic and private equity buyers and managed a competitive process generating multiple proposals. The Company ultimately chose for its automation business to partner with E Tech Group, while spinning out and retaining “Brighu”, the newly established entity for the carveout of JSatOne. E Tech Group is an industrial automation systems integrator headquartered in West Chester, OH. E Tech Group is backed by Graham Partners, a private investment firm targeting advanced manufacturing and technology-enabled services.
